Randy Arozarena is a cult-figure with the Tampa Bay Rays and probably the face of the ballclub in the current day. The diminutive, but powerful outfielder had arguably his best season in the majors last season.
Although he was an All-Star, Homerun Derby runner-up and had another 20-20 season, Arozarena seemed to wear down in the second half of the season hitting .220 over that stretch of the season.
Arozarena’s figures to once again be a leader in the clubhouse for the Rays and the sparkplug to an offense that can score some runs, but has come up short the last few seasons in the playoffs.
El jardinero @RandyArozarena nos habla sobre el nivel de la @LIDOMRD y sobre su preparación física durante la temporada muerta.#pelotacubana #DominicanRepublicSeries pic.twitter.com/I5ZVpHC1qO
— Yusseff305 🇨🇺🇺🇲 (@yusseff305) March 10, 2024
How does it feel to play here in the Dominican Republic?
I feel good, happy to be here in the DR. The truth is that it was a very tightly game yesterday against Boston, and it would very good to do this every year. I think MLB should extend baseball to any part of the world.
You follow Dominican Winter League baseball, you told me yesterday that you wouldn’t like to play here because of how aggressive this league is.
Not because of how aggressive it is, but because of the good quality it has. There is a good level of players, and I respect the league, that’s why I hope not to be able to play here in LIDOM, it is a very good league.
You have played in Cuba, in the United States, you belong to the Mexican national team. You’ve played practically around the entire world. Where else would you like to play?
I would like to go play in Japan one day. Yes, to Japan, I have a great fan base there and I want to experience that baseball one day.
We have seen that you have worked a little more on your physique and you said that you ended up a little exhausted last season. Is that because of the World Classic or the Home Run Derby, perhaps?
No, I don’t think it was because of the Classic or the Home Run Derby. I think those were the 162 games, but this year my mentality is different. That’s why I wanted to increase my muscle mass a little and increase my weight a little to finish the season on a strong note.
Where did you leave your boots?
At home. They stayed at home. I always activate them for the first day of the season and for the playoffs.